Depolymerization of PET Waste to Battery Materials: A Roadmap toward a Zero-Emission Society

This review establishes a comprehensive roadmap for the depolymerization of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste to battery materials, charting a course toward a zero-emission society. It begins by systematically analyzing the mechanisms and efficiencies of various depolymerization pathways, including chemical, mechanical, and biological methods. The products derived from the PET wastes serve critical roles as separators, electrode materials, and electrolytes for lithium-ion batteries, and the next-generation energy storage systems, like lithium–sulfur and lithium–selenium batteries, are also explored. Finally, this review critically assesses strategies for performance optimization and the challenges of industrialization. It offers a forward-looking perspective on this innovative recycling paradigm transforming waste into value, thereby advancing a sustainable circular economy.